How to stay safe on Halloweekend

Two Halloweens ago, Rutgers students partied so hard that no amount of alcohol could make them forget the aftermath. Robert Wood Johnson hospital physically ran out of hospital beds because of the overwhelming amount of calls for patients in need of care for alcohol overdoses. Bus windows were broken, street signs were stolen and students were laid out in the street. It may sound funny and like a great memory to save for a talk in company of fellow alumni in a decade or so, but some people won’t be able to tell their story. It wasn’t a happy ending for everyone as some have only been left with a traumatic story they’ll keep to themselves for a long, long time. 

This Halloween, students should at least make an attempt at being responsible adults. It doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, just that there’s a limit and you should know it. Speaking of which, if you’re a freshman and this is your first Halloween, you don’t know what you’re in for. Expect madness and expect to be offered many drinks — drinks you may not be able to afford, physically. As in, if you’ve had 10 shots and someone offers to buy you more, you should probably save that for later.

Particularly, if this is the first time you’ll be drinking more than the sips your parents let you sneak, keep track of your drinks and space them out to see how you feel. Don’t go in like a douchebag thinking you’re a heavyweight. That’s how you end up in RWJ.

Additionally, don’t start off on the wrong foot by pre-gaming too hard. You’ll most definitely be drinking inside frats and house parties, for which hosts are anxiously preparing for the endless mass of people who will be waiting at their kegs. It’s also one of those nights where you’ll need at least a part of your brain to make decisions you’ll be okay with the next day. Girls, many people will approach you, whether you’re dressed as a nun or playboy bunny. Please, do not feel pressured to leave somewhere with somebody just because they ask or another person is doing it too. You do you.

If you do choose to do more than shake hands, however, feel free to take a stroll over to one of the health centers where condoms come cheaper than a pack of gum. Literally, 35 cents each. It’s a great investment. New Brunswick hotels will be making a lot of cash, you just need to have the brainpower to figure out if you want to be one of their customers.

Sexual assault and harassment is a very real and unfortunate reality when heavy drinking occurs. No means no and although it treads into dangerously controversial territory, you cannot give consent while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Besides yourself, you need to watch out for your friends too. Yes, they can make their own decisions, but it’s a good idea to discuss your limits beforehand so you can help if they’re overly intoxicated and are willing to be dragged anywhere. Most importantly, don’t be scared to seek help when someone has gone over the edge and needs help. Police will not penalize you for underage drinking. I repeat, you will not be penalized. What’s most important is the safety and well-being of our student body. Trying to cover up an overdose is how real, scary problems are created.

Travel in groups, don’t drink from random cups and for the love of your parents, don’t go to shady parts of New Brunswick. Make good decisions and have a freaking blast.